Sodium Valproate
(Epilim®, Episenta®, Sodium valproate)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Tablets
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
Yes
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
Yes - (Episenta®)
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
Yes - (Episenta®)
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Crushable tablets available (Epilim), otherwise use liquid/granule formulation. Enteric coated/modified release products should not be crushed. Modified release granules should be sprinkled on/mixed with a liquid or soft food. See product leaflets for more information.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Sodium valproate
Usual formulation brand names
Epilim®, Episenta®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
Yes, some
Modified release
Yes, M/R tablets and M/R granules
Film coated
No
Enteric coated
Yes, E/C tablets
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
150mg, 300mg, 500mg & 1000mg - Episenta®. Other strengths are available 50mg, 100mg, 250mg, 500mg, 750mg & 1000mg - Epilim Chronosphere MR®
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
100mg/ml for infusion or injection- Episenta®. 400mg powder and Solvent for injection/infusion - Epilim IV®
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Licensed - oral solution, oral syrup
Are specials or imports available?
N/A licensed alternative formulations are available
Liquid strengths
200mg/5mL & 40mg/mL
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
Yes- oral solution, but Syrup is not sugar free
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Give parenteral injection if suitable. Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Different formulations and oral preparations may vary in bioavailability. Patients should ideally be maintained on a specific product and manufacturer. Where changing brand/formulation is necessary, patients should be closely monitored and advice sought from a doctor/pharmacist.